Question 1

What is MentorBridge?

Accepted Answer

MentorBridge is a member-exclusive mentorship program of the India Chamber of Commerce Minnesota that connects entrepreneurs and aspiring founders with experienced business leaders for practical, real-world guidance.

Question 2

Who is eligible to participate?

Accepted Answer

Mentees
 • Must be active Chamber members
 • May be idea-stage founders, first-time entrepreneurs, or early-stage business owners
Mentors
 • May be Chamber members or
 • Experienced non-members approved or invited by the Chamber

Question 3

When does the program launch?

Accepted Answer

MentorBridge will pilot in early March 2026.
Applications are open now and accepted on a rolling basis.

Question 4

Is there a deadline to apply?

Accepted Answer

No. MentorBridge operates on a rolling enrollment model. You may apply at any time.

Question 5

How does the matching process work?

Accepted Answer

The Chamber reviews mentor and mentee applications and facilitates introductions based on:
 • Experience and expertise alignment
 • Industry relevance
 • Business stage and goals
 • Availability
Matches are made based on fit and availability; a match is not guaranteed.

Question 6

How long does a mentorship last?

Accepted Answer

Mentorships typically follow a 90-day suggested engagement period, with 1–3 meetings. The exact cadence and duration are flexible and determined by the mentor and mentee.

Question 7

How often will mentors and mentees meet?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed schedule. Most pairs meet once per month, but frequency and format are mutually agreed upon.

Question 8

Does the Chamber attend or monitor mentorship meetings?

Accepted Answer

No. The Chamber’s role is limited to:
 • Facilitating introductions
 • Conducting light follow-ups to gauge success
The Chamber does not participate in or oversee mentorship sessions.

Question 9

Is MentorBridge a consulting or advisory service?

Accepted Answer

No. MentorBridge provides guidance and perspective, not professional services.
Mentors do not provide:
 • Legal advice
 • Financial or tax advice
 • Consulting services
Participants should seek licensed professionals when needed.

Question 10

Are mentors allowed to pitch or sell services?

Accepted Answer

No. MentorBridge is not a sales or solicitation platform. Mentors agree not to market or sell services to mentees during the mentorship period.

Question 11

Is there a cost to participate?

Accepted Answer

MentorBridge is included as a member benefit. There is no additional fee to apply or participate during the pilot phase.

Question 12

What if the match isn’t working?

Accepted Answer

If either party feels the match is not productive, they may notify the Chamber. The Chamber may:

• Facilitate a conclusion to the mentorship, or
 • Explore a rematch, subject to availability
Professional and respectful communication is expected.

Question 13

Can mentors or mentees opt out early?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Either party may opt out at any time with notice. MentorBridge is designed to be flexible and respectful of time commitments.

Question 14

What happens after the mentorship period ends?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the suggested engagement period:

• The Chamber sends a short feedback form
 • Mentor and mentee may choose to continue informally, outside the program

There is no obligation to continue beyond the program.

Question 15

Can non-members participate?

Accepted Answer

• Mentees: No. MentorBridge is a member-exclusive benefit for entrepreneurs and founders who are active Chamber members.
 • Mentors: Yes. Experienced professionals who are not Chamber members may participate by invitation or approval from the Chamber.

Question 16

Who do I contact with questions?

Accepted Answer

For program or eligibility questions, contact: samhita.krishnamurthy@icocmn.org

MentorBridge

WHO THE PROGRAM IS FOR

For Mentees

For Mentors

HOW MENTORBRIDGE WORKS

What to Expect

Practical Guidance

Meaningful Connections

Flexible Structure